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I HATE having flu with a passion, nothing worse than feeling horrible due to some flu bug!

So I did a little research on the top tips to prevent the horrible flu bugs from attacking our amazing pouters!

The flu is a virus that is transmitted through contact with someone who is infected, by droplets through a cough or a sneeze, or through contaminated items, such as pens or any other daily items.

Preventing the flu!!!

1. Take your vitamins

Firstly I’m not one for taking multi-vitamins, personally they don’t work for me. However taking vitamins in different forms is essential to fighting the flu and also for staying healthy all year round. My best bet would be the vitamin B12 shot, and vitamin C and vitamin D.

2. Eat flu-fighting, anti-oxidant rich foods

An overall healthy diet will boost your immune system, but the following foods are rich in anti-oxidants and are essential in fighting against various viral infections. The presence of antioxidants in your body will ensure you stay healthy, longer.

– Spinach – High in iron and antioxidants
Spinach is low in saturated fat, and very low in cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fibre, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

– Broccoli – High in Vitamins A and C
Broccoli is low in saturated fat, and very low in cholesterol. It is also a good source of Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron and Selenium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Manganese.

– Garlic – High in minerals such as copper, iron, zinc, calcium and selenium
Garlic stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white blood cells and also contains the phyto-chemical allicin, which has anti-bacterial properties.
Garlic is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of Calcium, Phosphorus and Selenium, and a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Manganese.

– Blueberries – Packed with Vitamins C and E, and disease-fighting antioxidants
Blueberries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Blueberries are also strong sources of dietary fibre. Each half cup serving of blueberries provides a full two grams of dietary fibre which is as much as in one slice of whole wheat bread.
Blueberries are among the richest sources of antioxidants and other important nutrients. Blueberries are also delicious, versatile, high in fibre, and low in calories.
The health benefits associated with blueberries include improved eyesight, stronger blood vessels, reduced risk of heart disease, reduced risk of urinary tract infections, better memory performance, and promoting and maintaining

– Oats – High in soluble fibre, which absorbs cholesterol and helps establish a healthy environment in your digestive tract.

– Water – Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to stay well hydrated. Water keeps the mucous membranes in your upper respiratory tract moist and resistant to infection.

– Cold-water fish – The omega-3 fats in cold-water fish, such as salmon and tuna, create high blood levels of flu-fighting T cells and interferon.

– Pumpkin – High in Carotenoids, Vitamin A and B-Group Vitamins
Pumpkins are a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Riboflavin, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
Pumpkins are high in beta carotene, vitamin A and other carotenoids that are powerful antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of healthy polyunsaturated oils.

Garlic stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white blood cells and also contains the phyto-chemical allicin, which has anti-bacterial properties.

3. Sleep more, stress less

Sleep rejuvenates and revitalises your body, and helps your immune system function at its best.

Deep sleep stimulates the thymus gland to produce T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps reject foreign substances, and controls the production of antibodies to fight infection.

Sleep also helps your body deal with stress, which has a strong influence on your immune system. Stress triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol—hormones that reduce your body’s ability to produce antibodies.

That’s why people who are highly stressed get more colds, suffer more digestive tract problems and are more frequent bouts of fatigue. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night, and practice relaxation techniques to help prevent stress.

4. Wash your hands frequently

With good old-fashioned soap and water (60 seconds). Antibacterial soap, contrary to public belief, does not to a better job and in fact could be aiding more resistant strains of bacteria.

Some quick tips to keeping healthy ladies and gents, hope you don’t get attacked by the flu bug like me!